With decades of experience directing choirs, plays, and musicals, David Pelletier is starting a new chapter at KO as the new Upper School performing arts Chair and choral Director.
Before coming to KO, Mr. Pelletier taught for 33 years at Maloney High School in Meriden. He is looking forward to bringing his experience to KO’s performing arts community. “It was time for a change,” he explained. “It was time for a different type of school, a different type of atmosphere.”
Mr. Pelletier’s interest in the arts started at a young age. Both of his parents were musical and encouraged him to pursue his interests. He also credits his piano teacher, drama teacher, and high school choral director for influencing him.
Now at KO, Mr. Pelletier is excited to continue the school’s strong arts traditions. He has a mission: “Being able to keep the arts alive here at KO because KO is known for their high excellence in academics,” Mr. Pelletier started, “but also in the arts as well.” He also shared that he is excited to work with such a great, vibrant, and motivated group of students.
One of the things Mr. Pelletier is especially passionate about is this year’s musical, “Singin’ in the Rain,” which was announced on Tuesday, Sept. 29. He has directed more than 50 plays and musicals, but this particular show is one he has always wanted to direct. “This has always been one of the shows that I wanted to direct on my bucket list,” he said. Mr. Pelletier said that he is very excited that technical theater Director Paul Merchant will be able to make it rain on stage.
Mr. Pelletier is also teaching a new acting class, where students learn improvisation and how to become more confident actors. He said that he hopes students will learn how to come out of their shells and become more positive and bold and courageous actors.
Outside of school, Mr. Pelletier enjoys spending his time reading historical fiction, being with his two dogs, and with friends and family.
As he begins his first year at KO, Mr. Pelletier is looking forward to the many upcoming performances ahead and seeing what the arts community can accomplish, with his focus on the current fall production of “Steel Magnolias.” “I’m looking forward to seeing what great things we can do,” he said.
